A–Z Glossary: Key Health Terms Every Black Man Should Know This National Minority Health Month
Know the Language. Protect Your Health.
Understanding your health starts with understanding the terms. During National Minority Health Month, it’s more important than ever for Black men to be equipped with the language used in clinics, wellness spaces, and advocacy circles. From insurance terms to health equity concepts—here’s your A–Z breakdown.
A
Access to Care: The ability to obtain necessary health services, which can be limited by factors like location, income, or insurance.
Advocacy: Actively supporting and promoting health equity and policies that benefit underserved communities.
B
Blood Pressure: The force of blood against artery walls; high levels can lead to heart disease and are prevalent in Black men.
Behavioral Health: A field encompassing mental health, substance use, and overall psychological well-being.
C
Chronic Disease: Long-term health conditions like diabetes or hypertension that disproportionately affect Black communities.
Cultural Competency: Healthcare providers' ability to understand and respect patients' cultural backgrounds.
D
Disparities: Differences in health outcomes and access to care among different population groups.
Determinants of Health: Factors like socioeconomic status, education, and environment that influence health outcomes.
E
Equity: Fairness in health, ensuring everyone has the resources they need to achieve optimal health.
Engagement: Active participation in one's own health care and decision-making processes.
F
Family History: Health conditions present in family members that may increase one's own health risks.
Fitness: Physical activity and exercise contributing to overall health and disease prevention.
G
Genetics: The study of heredity and how certain traits or conditions are passed down through generations.
Glycemic Index: A measure of how quickly foods raise blood sugar levels; important for managing diabetes.
H
Health Literacy: The ability to understand and use health information to make informed decisions.
Hypertension: High blood pressure, a common condition that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
I
Immunization: Vaccinations that protect against diseases; important for preventing outbreaks in communities.
Inequity: Unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between populations.
J
Joint Health: Maintaining healthy joints to prevent conditions like arthritis, which can impact mobility.
K
Kidney Disease: A condition where the kidneys lose function over time; higher prevalence in Black men.
L
Lifestyle: Daily habits and behaviors that influence overall health, including diet, exercise, and sleep.
Lipid Profile: A blood test measuring cholesterol levels to assess heart disease risk.
M
Mental Health: Emotional, psychological, and social well-being; crucial for overall health.
Mortality Rate: The frequency of deaths in a population; used to assess the impact of diseases.
N
Nutrition: The intake of food and how it affects the body's health; balanced diets prevent chronic diseases.
Non-Communicable Diseases: Chronic diseases not passed from person to person, like cancer or diabetes.
O
Obesity: Excess body fat increasing the risk of various health issues; prevalent in many communities.
Outreach: Efforts to connect communities with health information and services.
P
Preventive Care: Health services like screenings and check-ups aimed at preventing illnesses.
Prostate Health: Monitoring and maintaining the health of the prostate gland, important for men's health.
Q
Quality of Care: The degree to which health services increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes.
R
Risk Factors: Attributes or exposures increasing the likelihood of developing a disease.
Resilience: The ability to recover from health challenges and maintain well-being.
S
Screening: Testing for diseases before symptoms appear to catch conditions early.
Social Determinants of Health: Conditions in which people live and work that affect health risks and outcomes.
T
Telehealth: Remote healthcare services provided through technology, increasing access to care.
Treatment Plan: A detailed approach developed by healthcare providers to address a patient's health needs.
U
Underserved Communities: Populations lacking adequate access to healthcare services.
V
Vaccination: Administration of vaccines to protect against diseases.
Vital Signs: Measurements like heart rate and blood pressure indicating the state of one's essential body functions.
W
Wellness: An active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life.
Workplace Health: Programs and policies promoting health and safety in the work environment.
X
X-ray: An imaging technique used to view inside the body, aiding in diagnosis.
Speak the Language of Your Health
Brotha, the more you know, the more power you hold. Use this glossary to ask better questions, understand your care, and help others do the same.
We Got Your Back!
Heart, Body & Soul (HBS) is here to support you on your journey. At HBS, we are dedicated to raising awareness and connecting Black men with the knowledge and resources needed to prioritize their health. Through partnerships with wellness and health organizations, we help foster a community of support and education.
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Disclaimer
Heart, Body & Soul (HBS) provides health education and resources to support the well-being of men of color, but we are not medical professionals. The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medical treatment plan.